Carried by water current, 2 men go missing in Neyyar

Thiruvananthapuram: Two people went missing in Neyyar river at Pathiricherykadavu near Olathanni in Neyyattinkara on Sunday evening while taking bath.
The scuba diving team of the fire force and local residents have been searching for Vipin (33), of Melethazhankadu House at Olathanni, and his friend Syam (35), a Kovalam native, till late night.
According to police, Vipin was running an automobile workshop at Olathanni and his friend Syam came to repair his auto there. After lunch, the duo along with Vipin’s son went to the river to take bath.
The son and Syam were sitting on the banks while Vipin was taking a dip. Vipin is an expert swimmer whereas Syam did not know swimming. Meanwhile, Syam tried to get down into the river and Vipin warned him not to as there was a sudden current in the heavy rain in the last days.
Suddenly, Syam fell into the water and Vipin jumped in to rescue him. However, Syam held on to him tightly out of fear, preventing Vipin from swimming and also rescuing him. They were carried away by the water current, and Vipin’s son saw them floating a few metres away.
Hearing the son’s cries, local residents rushed to the spot but their attempts to save the duo went vain. Later, the fire force and police were also informed. Vipin is survived by his wife and three children.